Missiles and Rockets was a professional trade periodical developed in 1957 to facilitate the aerospace industry. This was a new industry at the time, built out of component parts that included the aeronautic, electronic, and automotive industries, as well as research science. The US government's Cold War and science-based decision to fund satellite research at a high level in 57 was an abrupt development, following years of low levels of funding. The result was a "gold rush" mentality across the constituent industries that all sought to redefine themselves in terms of their potential contributions to aerospace. In its early years, Missiles and Rockets editorialized in favor of large-scale, science fiction-based schemes for civil and military exploration and exploitation of outer space. As the technologies matured, the editorial tone developed toward a more realistic acquaintance with the realities of programmatic funding and technological development. Missiles and Rockets was absorbed by competitors and ceased publication in 1968.